WS-C3850-24XU-S: A Comprehensive Guide

The Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Switches are enterprise-class, stackable access-layer switches that provide full convergence between wired and wireless networks. The WS-C3850-24XU-S is a member of this series, designed to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performance services to meet the demands of today’s network applications.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the WS-C3850-24XU-S switch, its features, benefits, and how it can be deployed in various network environments. We will cover the following topics:

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Features and Benefits of WS-C3850-24XU-S
3. Technical Specifications
4. Deployment Scenarios
5. Configuration and Management
6. Troubleshooting and Maintenance
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

1. Introduction

The WS-C3850-24XU-S is a 24-port switch with four 1 Gigabit Ethernet Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) uplinks and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ uplinks. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+ technologies, providing up to 30W of power per port to connected devices. The switch also has an integrated power supply and a fanless design, making it suitable for deployment in noise-sensitive environments.

2. Features and Benefits of WS-C3850-24XU-S

The WS-C3850-24XU-S switch comes with a range of features and benefits, including:

a. High Performance and Scalability

The switch provides up to 480 Gbps of switching capacity and up to 250 Mpps forwarding rate, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming, data backup, and cloud computing. It also supports up to 1000 access points and 12,000 wireless clients, making it suitable for deployment in large-scale wireless networks.

b. Enhanced Security with WS-C3850-24XU-S

The switch offers advanced security features such as IEEE 802.1X, MACsec, and TrustSec, which provide secure access to the network, prevent unauthorized access, and protect sensitive data. It also supports Network Admission Control (NAC), which verifies the security posture of connected devices before allowing them access to the network.

c. Flexible Deployment Options of WS-C3850-24XU-S

The switch supports various deployment options, including stackable, standalone, and network module configurations. It also offers flexible uplink options, including SFP and SFP+ interfaces, allowing for seamless integration with existing network infrastructure.

d. Simplified Management

The switch comes with Cisco’s IOS XE software, which provides a single point of control for both wired and wireless networks. It also supports Cisco DNA Center, a central management platform that streamlines network operations and enhances network visibility.

3. Technical Specifications of WS-C3850-24XU-S

The WS-C3850-24XU-S switch comes with the following technical specifications:

• Switching capacity: 480 Gbps
• Forwarding rate: 250 Mpps
• Number of ports: 24
• Uplinks: 4 x 1 GbE SFP, 2 x 10 GbE SFP+
• PoE support: Yes
• Power supply: Integrated
• Fanless design: Yes

4. Deployment Scenarios of WS-C3850-24XU-S

The WS-C3850-24XU-S switch can be deployed in various network environments, including:

a. Enterprise Networks

The switch is ideal for enterprise networks that require high-performance, scalable, and secure services. It can be used as an access-layer switch in campus networks, providing connectivity to end devices and access points.

b. Wireless Networks

The switch is suitable for wireless networks that require high-density access points and seamless mobility. It supports up to 1000 access points and 12,000 wireless clients, making it an ideal choice for large-scale wireless deployments.

c. Industrial Networks

The switch’s fanless design and integrated power supply make it suitable for deployment in industrial networks that require noise-free and reliable operation. It also supports industrial protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP, making it compatible with a wide range of industrial devices.

5. Configuration and Management

The WS-C3850-24XU-S switch can be configured and managed using Cisco’s IOS XE software or Cisco DNA Center. The IOS XE software provides a comprehensive set of features for configuring and monitoring the switch, while Cisco DNA Center offers centralized management and automation capabilities.

6. Troubleshooting and Maintenance

The WS-C3850-24XU-S switch comes with various troubleshooting and maintenance features, including:

a. Diagnostics and Testing

The switch supports various diagnostic and testing tools, such as ping, traceroute, and show commands, which can be used to troubleshoot network issues.

b. Software Upgrades

The switch’s IOS XE software can be upgraded using Cisco’s standard software upgrade procedures, which ensure seamless software updates and minimize downtime.

c. Hardware Maintenance

The switch’s fanless design and integrated power supply reduce the need for regular hardware maintenance. However, if hardware maintenance is required, the switch’s modular design allows for easy replacement of components.

7. Conclusion

The WS-C3850-24XU-S switch is a high-performance, scalable, and secure switch that offers flexible deployment options and simplified management capabilities. It is suitable for a wide range of network environments, including enterprise, wireless, and industrial networks. With its advanced features and benefits, the WS-C3850-24XU-S switch is an ideal choice for organizations that require a reliable and efficient network infrastructure.

8. FAQs

1. What is the switching capacity of the WS-C3850-24XU-S switch?
The switch has a switching capacity of 480 Gbps.
2. Does the WS-C3850-24XU-S switch support PoE?
Yes, the switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+ technologies.
3. What is the fanless design of the WS-C3850-24XU-S switch?
The switch’s fanless design allows for noise-free and reliable operation in noise-sensitive environments.
4. How many access points and wireless clients does the WS-C3850-24XU-S switch support?
The switch supports up to 1000 access points and 12,000 wireless clients.
5. What is the management platform for the WS-C3850-24XU-S switch?
The switch can be managed using Cisco’s IOS XE software or Cisco DNA Center, a centralized management platform that streamlines network operations and enhances network visibility.
6. How many units of WS-C3850-24XU-S switch can be stacked in one stack?
If you set up a stack with these switches, the stack can have a maximum of 8 switches only. WS-C3850-24XU-S has 4 ASIC chips, and the maximum number of ASIC chips per stack cannot exceed 32. If you set up a stack that contains this switch and other Catalyst 3850 switches, ensure that the maximum number of ASIC chips is 32.

Dimensions of WS-C3850-24XU-S:

• Height: 1.73 inches (4.4 cm)
• Width: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
• Depth: 17.6 inches (44.7 cm)
• Weight: 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)

What transceiver modules work with Catalyst 3850? (click on part number to go their product page)

Important Sources:

Catalyst 3850 Data SheetHow to Configure Catalyst 3850CISCO Catalyst 3850 Prices